Family Matters April 2012

Family Matters

April 2012—Volume 4, Issue 4

April is Month Of The Military Child April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 1

Volume 4, Issue 4

FAMILY MATTERS APRIL 2012

Contents Month of the Military Child Proclamation 4 Director’s Column 5 State of NC Proclamation 6-7 Month of the Military Child 8 Family Child Care Providers 9 Upcoming Events 10 Single Dating Cheat Sheet 11 Volunteer Family of the Year Award 12-13 Upcoming Events 14 Volunteer Appreciation 15 Child & Youth—Camps 17 FAC Contact 3

Cover Photo: Austen Taylor sits in a tree in Brevard, North Carolina Pouting because he missed his dad who was deployed.

Photo submitted by Leslie Taylor Want to be on the cover of the next Family Matters? Send a photo with a short description (who, doing what, when, where) and who took the photo to ncngFamilyprograms@gmail.com

Become a FAN

Diane Coffill State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324 SFC Ramona Scott Family Program NCOIC ramona.scott1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext. 47005 SGT Tammy Fowler Family Programs Assistant tammy.l.fowler@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext 46876 Wendi Bell Administrative Assistant wendi.bell@us.army.mil (919) 664-6078 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer@us.army.mil (828) 652-4595 Ext. 2 Terry Henderson Airman & Family Readiness Program Mgr. terry.henderson@ang.af.mil (704) 398-4949 Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext. 16289 Angelena Dockery Marketing & Communications Manager sallie.a.dockery@us.army.mil (919) 485-9570 Kathryn Jarvis Marketing & Communications Manager Kathryn.jarvis@us.army.mil (919) 485-9571

Join us on Facebook Search NCNG Family Programs

Drop a Tweet, Catch a Tweet

@ncngFamily

Judy Richardson Senior FRSA judy.richardson@us.army.mil (919) 347-4352 Ext. 15 NC National Guard Family Programs State Office 1636 Gold Star Drive Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 (919) 664-6053 www.nc.ngb.army.mil

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 2

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 3

DIRECTOR’S COLUMN || MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

Diane Coffill State Family Program Director

This month is a special month. April is the month we take time to recognize and celebrate the strength and endurance of North Carolina’s military children. Their character and strength are just a few traits that exemplify how they are different, and how they are special.

Over the course of my time in Family Programs and with my own Family, I have noticed that military children often display the same traits our military has done for generations. Military children have the courage to be who they are and older children may even consider that it is their responsibility to help hold up the home front when their military parent/guardian is away for a deployment.

But, it is not just deployments that our North Carolina National Guard military Children endure; they to sacrifice. Important small and large events and other things are missed. When duty calls for their military parent/guardian to attend training or help others impacted by natural disasters ... birthdays, first dates, games, first words ... life still goes on.

This can be tough for the military parent/guardian, before and after, as well as for the military child. But through it all, Military Children tend to have a higher sense of respect for themselves and others. Their experiences, parents/guardians and accomplishments are influences that make a military child stand out. That is why, when you encounter a military child they might exude one or many of the values our military culture has passed down for many generations. Duty, Honor, Respect, Integrity, Loyalty, Selfless Service and Personal Courage are not just values for our military; they tend to rub off on Military Families.

So, yes, military Families and Children are different, but is that so bad! North Carolina National Guard Family Programs applauds military Children across the state for their personal courage and for a JOB WELL DONE. It can be tough being a military kid, but that’s one reason why they are so great!

Sincerely, Diane Coffill, State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil About Family Matters Family Matters was created to provide Servicemembers and Families the most up-to-date information and services available. If you would like to contribute to future issues or if you have suggestions and comments, please contact the NCNG Family Programs Marketing and Communications Department personnel, Angelena Dockery or Kathryn Jarvis at ncngFamilyprograms@gmail.com. E -Versions of Family Matters can be downloaded at the NCNG Family Programs webpage at www.nc.ngb.army.mil.

References in this newsletter to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by NCNG Family Programs.

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 4

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 5

FAMILY MATTERS| ACROSS THE STATE April is the Month of the Military Child, and we extend an invitation for you to join us across the State as we celebrate and honor our Military's Youngest Heroes. As a united effort, we've put together a variety of ways for you to personally express your love and gratitude to the Military Child in your life. Join other Military Families as you recognize your child(ren) by posting a photo and a special message honoring him/her on our NCNG Family Programs Facebook. Simply visit www.facebook.com, and search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs.”

Military Parent, Caregivers, Family and Friends There are three different Military Child Appreciation Awards – one is for your youngest heroes, birth to elementary school-age, and the others are geared for middle-to high-school Military Youth.

Simply, download the certificate of your choosing at www.nc.ngb.army.mil ‘Family Programs, Month of Military Child’ and customize a thank you/appreciation message to present to your child in April.

You can make presenting your child’s award a simple occasion among Family or go all out and make it a grand celebration.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS, CHURCHES, BUSINESSES, & MILITARY GROUPS We also invite child care professionals, teachers, service providers, community partners and business leaders to join the State in recognizing North Carolina’s youngest heroes.

You can also showcase your support of North Carolina’s Military Children by hanging

Month of Military Child posters in a place visible to others or coordinate with parents/ guardians for a special event or presentation of Month of Military Child certificates.

Download Month of Military child Posters at www.mwrbrandcentral.com.

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 6

MONTH OF MILITARY CHILD || A Reason To Celebrate

MONTH OF MILITARY CHILD A REASON TO CELEBRATE! Wanting to honor military kids for their sacrifices and courage, in 1986 Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child. Since then, military installations, organizations and communities have created special events to pay tribute to our little military heroes.

All services are honoring military children by providing a month packed with special activities -- arts and crafts shows, picnics, fishing derbies, carnivals, parades, block parties and more. More than 1.7 million children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the armed forces.

And it is estimated that more than 900,000 children have had one or both parents deployed multiple times. In North Carolina, we have over 40,000 children ages 0-5 years, over 35,000 ages 6-12 years and over 20,000 ages 13-18 years in active duty, guard, and reserve Families. Lots of activities are happening across the state to honor them or do it in your own Family!

Not only does the Military celebrate children, many child care organizations such as National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrates Week of the Young Child™. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their Families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. The 2012 Week of the Young Child™ is April 22–28 and the theme is Early Years are Learning Years®. Today we know more than ever before about the importance of children's earliest years in shaping their learning and development. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their Families been more pressing.

The Month of the Young Child is a also a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment—at home, at child care, at school, and in the community—that will promote their early learning.

Numerous events and activities are planned to celebrate and honor America's military children. Here are some examples from last year.

"We held a Family Writing Workshop where parents were invited to create a book with their children. A book-writing kit was provided, and children and parents shared their books at a show and tell. The books are now part of our library collection."

"We displayed children's artwork throughout the center and made a DVD slide show of the children."

"We made the days special with a child/parent event such as Hat Day, Beach Party, Inside Out Day, Ice Cream Social and Parent Appreciation Day, where parents were served light refreshments and received a card from their child.

It doesn't take a lot to put a smile on a child's face. If you cannot find events or activities in your area, don't worry, the solution is easy. Pick a date and have your son or daughter choose how they'd like to spend the day. You may be surprised at their simplistic request. Regardless of how you fill the hours, make sure they understand the day is meant to honor and celebrate them—the military child.

If you'd like to celebrate Month of the Military Child, an excellent resource to help you locate events and planned activities in your area is the "state search" at Operation Military Kids or the North Carolina National Guard site at http://www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/momc/.

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 7

FAMILY READINESS || Finding Quality Child Care

New Family Child Care Providers Have you thought about starting a small business in your home? Maybe Family Child Care would be a perfect fit for you and your Family.

Why Family Child Care?

North Carolina is looking for military spouses to be licensed home care providers to help meet the growing need for child care in non-traditional hours of the Guard, Reserve and Active Duty Families. The Cooperative Extension Service, your local Child Care Resource and Referral, and Smart Start office are working to provide enhanced training for new Family Child Care providers. The training is low-cost and will help you decide if this is the career for you.. For more information on the licensing guidelines, review the Division of Child Development and Early Education at http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/providers/ pv_sn2_rcc.asp. Contact Linda Caldwell, North Carolina Military Child Care Liaison at linda.caldwell@naccrra.org for contacts in your specific county.

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 8

UPCOMING EVENTS | ACROSS THE STATE

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE David Ponder, Employment Specialist (919) 485-9567 david.ponder@us.army.mil Charlotte Career Fair Monday, June 4, 2012 11 a.m.—2 –p.m.

Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive Charlotte, NC 28217 Raleigh Career Fair Monday, June 4, 2012 11 a.m.– 2p.m.

Radisson Hotel Research Triangle Park 150 Park Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Get a list of companies before the career fairs. REGISTER AT MILITARY.NATIONALCAREERFAIRS.COM

~ SAY “I DO” ALL OVER AGAIN ~

Marriage Enrichment Retreats Laugh your way to a better marriage.

Our Strong Bonds Marriage Enrichment retreats takes couples on a journey for a stronger, better connection.

May 4-6: Myrtle Beach, SC June 8-10: Asheville, NC July 27-29: Charleston, SC For more information or to register for an upcoming event visit: www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/strong-bonds/

Need to talk? Call us today.

Voluntary, Confidential, Free, and Professionally Staffed 1-800-621-4136 Option 1

**Dates and Locations are Subject to Change.**

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 9

SINGLE DATING CHEAT SHEET Excerpt from Military One Source “Single Dating Cheat Sheet” Read more of the article at www.militaryonesource.com.

Search “Single Dating cheat Sheet”

In many ways, dating as a single parent is just like dating for anyone else. But in other ways—many other ways—it's completely different. To begin with, if you're a single parent you're probably also a working parent, and it's doubtful that you have the time or the energy to study up on "the scene" or "the rules." But before you turn your back on the dating world entirely, know this: you're not helping your children or yourself by ignoring your social life. So think of the following as a dating cheat sheet—things to think about when it comes to who you'll potentially date, your children, and your own needs.

Do I need to worry about my children?

Sure, your kids are your best friends. But when you start dating, they can easily become your worst nightmare. There are many ways a parent can prepare children for the changes that may be coming, and most of them involve keeping the communication lines open. If you're ready to start looking, or have already met that special someone .

Avoid Dating A “Jerk or Jerkette”

 Make sure your kids have dealt with their emotions surrounding your split -up, or the absence of the other parent. If there are issues that are unresolved, talk it out and let your children know that their feelings are OK. Don't be afraid of turning to a counselor to help clear the air.  Before going out on a date, find a steady baby sitter or Family member whom you trust, and with whom your children feel comfortable.  Set aside time for the kids, as well as time that's yours for dating, and try your best not to sacrifice one for the other.  Allow yourself to really, really, really get to know the other person before you consider introducing them to the children.  Have regular talks with your children about what's going on in your life, and who's in it, if you're seeing someone they might meet. Answer questions, but set boundaries—you are entitled to your privacy.  Always introduce anyone you're dating as a friend, nothing more.

Single Soldier Retreats April 27-29, 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC July 20-22, 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC August 17-19, 2012, Beach

 Make it clear to your kids that they should be polite and respectful to any of your new friends.  Don't expect the kids to be as crazy about your new friend as you are. At first, it's more likely that they'll be angry, sad, shy, or just plain obnoxious and they may want to sabotage the relationship. Acknowledge their feelings, and give everyone time to get to know each other.  Do listen to your children if they have opinions about the person you are dating. Keep in mind that there might be an agenda, but often kids are very intuitive.  Avoid overnight visits. If sexual intimacy is part of your relationship, keep sleep overs and your life with the kids entirely separate for as long as possible.

For more information or to register for an upcoming event visit: www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/ strong-bonds/ **Dates and Locations are Subject to Change.**

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 10

UPCOMING EVENTS | ACROSS THE STATE

Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Volunteer Family of the Year Award Nominate your Family or an Army Family you know for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Volunteer Family of the Year Award.

The AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional Army Family whose dedicated volunteer service significantly contributes to improving the well-being of Army Families and the local community.

The winning Family receives a trip to Washington D.C. for the Annual Meeting, a cash prize and a gift basket courtesy of TriWest, AUSA and GEICO. Two runner-up Families are also selected.

Each runner-up Family receives a certificate of distinction, a savings bond, and a gift basket in recognition of their dedicated service to their fellow Soldiers, Army Families, and communities. The first runner-up will be flown to Incredible Families the AUSA Annual Meeting and the Military Family Forums courtesy of Express Scripts.

Incredible Memories For submission please download and complete the nomination form at the NCNG Family Programs webpage, http://www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/.

All original submissions with signatures are to be sent to the NCNG State Family Programs Office NLT April 15, 2012 for final forwarding to the local AUSA Chapter.

Treat your Family

Send completed Nomination packets to: North Carolina National Guard State Family Programs Directorate, ATTN: NGNC -CMO-FP (Mrs. Diane Coffill), 1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607. For questions contact Mrs. Diane Coffill at 919-664 -6324 or diane.coffill2@us.army.mil or SFC Ramona Scott at 919-664-7005 or ramona.scott1@us.army.mil.

UPCOMING WEBINARS Recognizing Volunteers’ Contributions; Interviewing, Screening and Placing Volunteers Session 1: Session 1: Session 2: Session 2:

4/3 4/5 4/10 4/12

10:00 AM EDT 9:00 PM EDT 10:00 AM EDT 9:00 PM EDT

Registration is required. Visit www.joinservicessupport.org.

For more information, please email deanna.l.cole@us.army.mil or call (717) 533-2662.

Family Retreats April 20-22, Gatlinburg, TN June 22-24, Myrtle Beach, SC August 10-12, Location TBA For more information or to register for an upcoming event visit: www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/strong-bonds/

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 11

UPCOMING EVENTS | ACROSS THE STATE

Eli Keck

Upcoming Events April 1, Easter Eggtravaganza 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Meet at the Phifer Cabin, Boiling Springs, NC 28017 Contact: Kim Duren, Join Us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt as we hide over 4000 eggs on three age divided trails. Bring your own egg basket or ball to collect eggs and a camera for a great picture with the Easter Bunny!

Egg hunt starts promptly at 2:00a pm.

What Can I Do For Month of Military Child?

Here are few ideas for how to make Month of Military Child special: 

Present Certificate at School in classroom with Teacher’s permission (celebration)

April 7, Easter Eggsploration 10:00 AM-NOON, Celebrate the season at a spring festival and Easter egg hunt. Activities include bounce houses, games, crafts and face painting. Free. Egg hunt begins at noon.

16301 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. 704-875-8374. www.ccchuntersville.com.



Boy Scouts /Girl Scout events with Leader’s permission (celebration)



Day Care/after school care presentation with Teacher’s permission (celebration)

April 7, Lenoir Easter Egg Hunt 12:00 PM-3:00 PM, Gamewell Town Park, 2750 Old Morganton Road. For more information, contact Lenoir State Family Assistance Center (SFAC), Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist, at frances.johnson3@us.army.mil or (828) 757-4365 Ext. 4 line 1.



Church with Pastor’s permission (event/celebration)

April 7, Wilmington Easter Egg Hunt 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, Northside Baptist Church, 2501 N. College Rd. For more information, contact Wilmington Military Family Resource Center (MFRC), Judy Howard, FAC Network Coordinator, at judy.m.howard@us.army.mil or (910) 343-1775.

April 12, Charlotte Tee Off for the Troops Golf Tournament 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, 6100 Providence Country Club Dr. For more information call Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), Keneitha Delaney, FAC Specialist, (704) 3442352 Ext. 14547.

What are you doing to make April special for your Military Child(ren)? Share your ideas or what you plan to do on Family Programs Facebook page.

Search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs”

UPCOMING YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS

April 14, Wilmington 5K Combat Mud Race Wilmington Armory, 2412 Infantry Rd. For more information visit www.stepupforsoldiers.org/combatmudrun.

April 20, Hickory Veterans Stand Down 8:00 AM– 2:00 PM, 1127 US HWY 70 West. For more information about this event, making donations, or volunteering, contact Jim Starkey at 828-294-0184 or foothillsstanddown@gmail.com.

April 27, Wilmington Veterans Stand Down 7:00 AM—1:00 PM, VFW Post 2573, 2722 Carolina Bch Rd. For more information visit www.wilmingtonhousing.org/vet_standdown/vet_standdown.html.

May 4, Wilmington 3rd Annual FRG/FP Yard Sale 8:00 AM—5:00 PM, Wilmington MFRC, 3114 Randall Parkway. For more information contact Wilmington Military Family Resource Center (MFRC), Judy Howard, FAC Network Coordinator at judy.m.howard@us.army.mil or (910) 343-1775.

875th EN CO. and 882nd EN CO Pre-deployment April 13-15, Greensboro 505th EN BN, 1132nd EN TM and 1131st EN TM Pre-deployment April 13-14, Charlotte 151st EN CO Pre-Deployment April 27-28, Fayetteville

Find More Events Online at www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/events/ April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 12

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 13

FAMILY READINESS GROUPS | VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION, WEBINARS JACKSONVILLE Judy Richardson, Senior FRSA 142 Broadhurst Road Jacksonville, NC 28540-3545 judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352 Ext. 15 (800) 621-4136 Ext. 8570

FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANTS CHARLOTTE Nikkie Newsome nikkie.newsome@us.army.mil (704) 344-2352 Ext. 14548 CLINTON Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland@us.army.mil (910) 592-2100 Ext. 14735 GREENSBORO Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext. 15620 GOLDSBORO Greg Smith gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 731-2021 Ext. 2 JACKSONVILLE Judy Richardson judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352 Ext. 15 MORRISVILLE Jim Roberson james.roberson@us.army.mil (919) 804-5300 Ext. 16313 OXFORD Norman Dean norman.dean@us.army.mil (919) 693-3651 Ext. 27 The Mission of the ARNG FRSA program is to empower commanders in their duty to deliver the Total Army Family Program (AR 600-20) so that soldiers and Families are entitled, informed, educated, assisted, and made ready for the unique demands of Military life before, during, and after deployment.

Volunteer Appreciation Week April 15-21 2012 April is the time of year we CELEBRATE you – The Volunteer!! What a perfect time of Year for this special occasion! This month we celebrate all things Wonderful! Cool mornings and warm days, spring flowers blooming, and most of all – New Life!

There are many National Guard Units that need to bring “New Life” to their Family Readiness Program and now is the perfect time to do just that. The purpose of a Family Readiness Group is to act as an extension of the Unit in providing official, accurate, command information. It is also to provide mutual support between Command and the Unit’s Families, advocating more efficient use of community resources and helping Families solve problems at the lowest level, by providing referral assistance and activities.

FRGs are not just for deployment, just as our Service members train up for the possibility of activation due to disasters, AT, school, and future deployment, the FRG needs to maintain Resilience, Readiness, and Wellness, by training the Families, as well. This needs to happen, no matter what stage of the deployment cycle the Unit is in. The FRG brings a sense of belonging, information and helps develop a positive attitude towards themselves, the Unit, the Commander, and the military. Without, YOU, the FRG Volunteers, this cannot be completed!

During non-deployment times, you may not need as many general meetings, but you need to keep meeting with your other FRG Volunteers, Families, Command, your FAC and your FRSA. Also, continue getting information out through the newsletter. Welcome new Soldiers and Families to the unit, and maintain an up-to-date phone tree. It can still be used to contact people for special events. Above all, plan recognition events to publicly thank all those who consistently help your FRG. Don’t let the FRG fade away. With today’s optempo, missions can appear without advance warning and starting the FRG from scratch, at that point, is very difficult.

Thank you for volunteering your time and talents in support of the North Carolina National Guard. We truly appreciate all of your hard work and what you put into the FRG Program! Your loyalty, dedication and love of what you do, is overwhelming!

Volunteers are such inspirations to us all and everyone here at the State Family Programs Office says “THANK YOU”!!!

I hope you all know just how “WONDERFUL” you are and I am truly grateful to have the pleasure of working with you all!!

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer with a National Guard unit or would like more information about Family Readiness Groups, please contact Judy Richardson at 910.347.4352 ext. 11 or judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil.

Take care and God Bless you for touching the lives of others!!

Thank You for Serving, Diane Coffill State Family Program Direction, NCNG Judy Richardson State & Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant, NCNG, MPSC

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 14

CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM | Summer Camps NCNG CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM STAFF Alice Dean State Child & Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 16289 (919) 664-6000 ext. 16289 alice.dean@us.army.mil

Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator 1-800-621-4136 ext. 8851 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil

Looking For Summer Camps for your Child?

Carolina Parent.com provides a directory of resources for you to find Summer Camps, Day Camps, Summer Activities and more.

To see what is going on in North Carolina, check out North Carolina

Festival's www.ncfestivals.com

Did you Know…

When we think of April the usual holiday’s come to mind like April fool’s Day and Easter, but did you know about some other holiday’s that take place in April as well. First of all it’s know as Month of the Military Child and our children deserve all our appreciation since they serve too and not by choice, so “Purple Up” 13 April to show your support of military Kids everywhere.

Some other interesting holiday’s we found were National Walk to Work Day (first Friday) what a great way to get outside and enjoy the Spring weather. One of my favorite finds I think is everyone’s childhood favorite there is actually a National PB&J Day (April 2nd) if you agree then try the yummy twist on the classic lunch time favorite with the below cookie recipe.

Camp Bob is an outreach program of Kanuga Conferences, a 1,400-acre camp and conference center affiliated with the Episcopal Church and open to all. Campers will stay in cabins with solar thermal hot water systems and enjoy traditional camp activities including hiking, swimming, rock climbing, canoeing, archery and arts and crafts. Camp Bob has hosted Operation Purple camps since 2008.

Register today for 2012 Operation Purple Camp at

www.militaryFamily.org/ourprograms/operation-purple/

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Ingredients: ½ C Shortening 1 ¼ C Flour ½ C Peanut Butter ¾ tsp Baking Soda ½ C Sugar ½ tsp Baking Powder ½ C Brown Sugar ¼ tsp Salt 1 egg ½ C Jam (any Flavor)

Directions: GIVE YOUR MILITARY KID A SHOUT OUT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. BECOME A FAN. SEARCH “NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY PROGRAMS.”

Operation Purple Camp Camp Bob, Hendersonville, NC Camp Dates: Sunday, July 08, 2012 Friday, July 13, 2012 Ages: 7-17 years old

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, peanut butter and sugars. Beat in egg. Combine dry ingredients and gradually add to cream mixture.

Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Roll into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly with thumb in center fill with ½ tsp jam. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

Millstone 4-H Camp - Ellerbe, NC 1296 Mallard Drive, Ellerbe, NC, 283389043 Camp Dates: July 15 - 20, 2012 July 22 - 27, 2012 July 29 - August 3, 2012 How to apply to Camp Corral Camp Corral is free of cost* to children of wounded or disabled military Families ages 8-15. To apply, please visit goldencorral.com/campcorral or call 1-855-6051267 for more information. *Parents are responsible for cost of transportation to and from camp.

@ncngFamily April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 15

PURPLE UP! FOR MILITARY KIDS April marks the nation’s “Month of the Military Child,” a time to honor youth impacted by the deployment of a Family member. In celebration, North Carolina Operation: Military Kids (OMK), part of the 4 -H Youth Development program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, invites you to join us for the first “Purple Up! For Military Kids” in North Carolina on Friday, April 13.

OMK needs your help to honor our military youth during Month of the Military Child by showing your support for military Families. North Carolina OMK is participating with other OMK states for the Second Annual Purple Up! For Military Kids! North Carolinian's are encouraged to wear purple on April 13 as a visible way to show support and to thank military youth for their sacrifices. The color "purple" symbolizes, in military terms, reaching out to all branches of the military. OMK hopes everyone will take this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate these young heroes.

North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension is part of Operation: Military Kids (OMK), an effort sponsored by Army, Child, Youth and School Services in collaboration with National 4-H Headquarters, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, American Legion, Military Child Education Coalition, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and other state and local organizations who help military children, youth and their Families while experiencing a love ones deployment. Children and youth whose parents have been deployed live with the uncertainty and concern for their parents on a daily bases. Military Families learn to be flexible, but lengthy deployments can be difficult for military youth, and many have experienced their parents leaving multiple times.

While, military children look the same to teachers, friends and the community after a parent deploys, their lives have changed dramatically. Through OMK events, military youth can connect with other youth in similar situations and to other youth in the community. Operation: Military Kids is a national effort to support children of deployed soldiers from all branches of the military including Guard and Reserve. Activities for military kids are ongoing throughout the year and throughout North Carolina.

"Purple Up! For Military Kids" was first created in 2011 by New Hampshire OMK. To honor our military youth, all OMK states have joined together to celebrate on a national level for "Purple Up! For Military Kids."

April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 16

FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS Asheville Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 7 Yorkshire St. Suite 101, 28803 Fax: (828) 274-8572 Debra Collington, FAC Network Coordinator debra.a.collington.ctr@us.army.mil (828) 274-7209 Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 4240 West Blvd., 28208 Fax: n/a Keneitha Delaney, FAC Specialist keneitha.delaney@us.army.mil (704) 344-2352 Ext. 14547 Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 3555 Owen Drive, 28306 Fax: n/a Amy Wallace, FAC Specialist amy.wallace3@us.army.mil (910) 321-1001 Ext. 14920 Greensboro State Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401 Fax: (336) 691-7766 Katy Jones, FAC Network Coordinator katy.m.jones@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext. 15649 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext 15651 Greenville State Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834 Fax: (252) 551-6136 Dawn White, FAC Network Coordinator dawn.white@us.army.mil (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11150 Kannapolis Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 6001 Gateway Center Dr., Suite 109, 28081 Fax: (704) 788-0550 Lynn White, FAC Specialist lynn.white2@us.army.mil (704) 788-4554

Spring into Life Call a Military Family Life Consultant Today

John Alleman Adult & Family Specialist (919) 745-9635

Betty Steelman Child & Family Specialist (919) 665-9178

Kinston Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd., 28504 Fax: (252) 526-2772 Gabrielle H. O’Flanagan, FAC Specialist gabrielle.h.oflanagan.ctr@us.army.mil (252) 208-0255 Ext. 15817 Lenoir State Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, 28645 Fax: (828) 757-4519 Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist frances.johnson3@us.army.mil (828) 757-4365 Ext. 4 line 1 Morganton Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 411 Kirksey Drive, 28655 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator Fax: (828) 437-2068 nancy.davis3@us.army.mil (828) 437-0746 Ext. 18 Raleigh Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 130 Penmarc Drive Suite 110, 27603 Fax: (919) 334-9971 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil (919) 334-0195 Lisa Faison, FAC Specialist lisa.faison@us.army.mil (919) 334-0196 Mark Woolbright, FAC Network Coordinator mark.woolbright@us.army.mil (919) 334-9966 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 406 Hospital Road, 27577 Fax: (919) 934-2901 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil 919) 934-2013 Ext.16 Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 500 Morganton Road, PO Box 1317, 28387 Fax: (910) 692-3659 David Butler, FAC Specialist david.earl.butler@us.army.mil (910) 692-8747 Ext. 6 Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 2412 Infantry Rd., 28405 Fax: (910) 251-7130 Jim Marley, FAC Specialist james.marley@us.army.mil (910-) 251-7100 Ext. 16918 Wilmington Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 3114 Randall Pkwy., 28403 Fax: (910) 343-6953 Judy Howard, FAC Network Coordinator judy.m.howard@us.army.mil (910) 343-1775 April 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 17